With Tax Day just around the corner, it’s essential to start preparing early. Whether you’re someone who typically files their taxes at the last minute or someone who likes to stay ahead of the game, it’s important to keep in mind that the deadline for submitting your taxes on time is Monday, April 18, 2023.
However, filing your taxes online doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and with the right tools and software, you can make the process much easier. If you’re looking to get a head start on filing your 2023 taxes, tax preparation vendors have already released plenty of deals and discounts that you can take advantage of.
Currently, you can take advantage of a plethora of tax day deals, which include discounts on tax software, free services, and even Amazon gift cards. Most of these discounts are available when filing your taxes in a web browser. However, you can also download several tax software programs that run as an app on your PC or Mac. Currently, many of these programs are on sale for up to 20% off at Best Buy, making it an excellent time to invest in a reliable tax preparation tool.
What Are the Best Tax Day Deals 2023?
We have compiled a list of the best deals and promotional codes currently available, which can help you save money when filing your 2023 taxes. Check out these online resources to find the best discounts.
TurboTax
As a student, you can benefit from a $20 discount when you file your taxes online using TurboTax. This offer is especially useful for those who are still in school, as you can file your taxes for just $100 with this deal. The discount can be applied to TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed filing products. To take advantage of this offer, you must verify your school status through StudentBeans.
TaxAct
If you know someone who tends to wait until the last minute to file their taxes, why not lend them a hand (and earn a little reward for yourself)? TaxAct is currently offering a promotion where you can refer your friends to their service, and receive a $20 Amazon gift card, while your friend gets a 20% discount on TaxAct’s federal filing products. Take advantage of this deal and help your friends file their taxes on time while receiving a reward for your good deed.
TaxSlayer
Filing taxes can be a daunting task for freelancers and gig workers, but luckily, TaxSlayer is offering a solution. Currently, you can take advantage of a 25% discount on all of TaxSlayer’s premium tax plans by using promo code SAVE25. This promotion is applicable to Federal Filing and is valid until Tax Day (April 18, 2023), so you still have time to file your taxes even if you’ve procrastinated a little too much. With this deal, you can simplify the process of filing your taxes and save money in the process.
H&R Block
If you’re looking to switch to a new tax filing software, H&R Block has an enticing offer for you. By switching to H&R Block, you have the option to import your information from your previous tax filing software with ease. And the best part? You can enjoy a 20% discount on H&R Block tax filing products online through May 31, 2023. Don’t let your old tax filer hold you back; take advantage of this offer and make the switch to H&R Block today.
E-File
E-filing your taxes can be a quick and straightforward process with the help of E-File’s online tax software. According to the company, you can file your taxes electronically in less than 15 minutes with their software. And right now, you can enjoy a 25% discount on Federal Filing by using the promo code 25OFF. Don’t let the stress of filing your taxes hold you back any longer; take advantage of this deal and streamline the process with E-File’s user-friendly software.
What You Need To File Your Taxes Online
Filing your taxes online can be a convenient way to complete the process from the comfort of your own home. However, it’s important to note that you will still need to provide the same paperwork that you would if you were to file in-person at a bank or through an accountant. This paperwork typically includes your social security number, W-2 or 1099 form for employment income, and any documents related to other sources of income, such as stocks, pensions, trust funds, or rental properties. Gathering and organizing these documents ahead of time can help you file your taxes quickly and efficiently.
If you’re missing a document, such as a W-2 form, it’s essential to contact your company’s HR department as soon as possible to obtain a replacement. It’s also worth noting that major online tax services offer step-by-step guidance to help you navigate the filing process with ease. Filing your taxes promptly is advisable to avoid any last-minute scrambling or potential penalties.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that filing your taxes after a significant life event, such as getting married, having a child, or entering a new income tax bracket, may require different forms than you’re accustomed to submitting. It’s always best to consult with a tax professional or utilize online resources to ensure that you’re submitting the correct forms.
Lastly, remember that the taxes you’re filing in 2023 pertain to the income you earned in 2022. Therefore, you’ll need to ensure that the forms you use accurately reflect the correct tax year. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your online tax filing experience is seamless and stress-free.
Which Services Should You Use?
TurboTax and H&R Block are the most popular tax preparation services available online, and we highly recommend using either one of them. While both of them offer free online tax filing services for eligible users, they also have paid options for more complex tax situations or if you require additional assistance. It’s worth noting that the IRS also provides a tax filing service, which many people are unaware of. To provide a clear understanding of how all three services operate, here’s a detailed analysis.
Using TurboTax To File Your Taxes
TurboTax is one of the most well-known online tax filing services that offers a simple and intuitive questionnaire to its users. The questionnaire aims to gather basic information from users such as their sources of income, marital status, children, and student loan debt, to determine if they are eligible for free tax filing.
If you have only one source of income and are filing taxes for yourself, there is a high probability that you can file for free with TurboTax. However, if you have multiple sources of income like stocks or rental properties or are self-employed, you will likely have to opt for TurboTax’s paid services, which can cost up to $119. These paid services allow you to file your taxes but do not offer additional support. This should not be an issue if you have prior experience with the tax filing process.
If you prefer not to go through the process alone, you can opt for TurboTax’s “full service” package, which costs $170 and provides access to a licensed “tax expert” who can assist you in filling out the necessary paperwork.
All of these options are available on TurboTax’s web browser platform. However, if you prefer to work with a downloaded software application, you can purchase and download the latest version of TurboTax on Amazon, which runs as an app on your PC or Mac.
Using H&R Block To File Your Taxes
H&R Block is another popular online tax preparation service that operates in a similar manner to TurboTax but with a few differences in its service offerings. The H&R Block tax filing system allows users to choose between filing their taxes alone or with the assistance of a “tax pro.”
If you choose to file your taxes alone, H&R Block offers four different tiers of service, namely the Free Online tier (for students, W-2 employees, or individuals on unemployment), Deluxe tier (for maximizing deductions and credits), Premium tier (for filers with income from rentals or investments), and Self-Employed tier (for small business owners or freelancers). These plans can range in cost up to $115, with an additional $36.99 per state.
H&R Block’s paid plans include various features such as the ability to digitize and store tax documents for up to six years, access to live or chat text support, and organization of self-employment income for gig or freelance work. The free plan does not include these additional features.
Alternatively, if you prefer to work with a “tax pro,” H&R Block offers three options. You can choose to meet one-on-one with a tax professional at an office, drop your files off at an office for the pro to handle, or opt for virtual assistance through chat, phone, or video. These services start at $69 and are an excellent choice for beginners who want to understand the tax filing process better.
Working with a professional to file your taxes can be a valuable experience, as it provides a step-by-step understanding of how the process works, which can make it easier to file taxes on your own in the future.
All of H&R Block’s options are available through their web browser platform, but if you prefer to work with a downloaded software application, you can purchase and download the latest version of H&R Block on Amazon, which runs as an app on your PC or Mac.
Using The IRS To File Your Taxes
The IRS offers a service called IRS Free File, which is available to those who earn less than $72,000 per year. This program is done in partnership with private companies, and it guides you through the process of filing your taxes. The website may look simple, but it has a well-organized layout that provides a clear explanation of the information required. The service even includes pictures of all the necessary forms and handles all math calculations, making it an excellent option for beginners. Additionally, the IRS offers free customer service and waives state filing fees for Free File users.
For those earning over $72,000, the IRS offers Free File Fillable forms. While you won’t get a guided experience, it’s a good option for those who have been filing taxes for years and haven’t experienced any significant life events.
The IRS suggests that if you file your taxes now, you may receive your tax return by the first week of March, provided you are eligible for a refund. However, if you file closer to the April 18 deadline, expect a longer wait time. Once you file your taxes, you can use the IRS2Go app or check the IRS website to track your refund status. Keep in mind that in some cases, you may owe the government money, or your tax return may be zero.